What Is Montepulciano Wine?

Montepulciano is a bold red wine made from the Montepulciano grape. It is deep in colour, soft in tannin and full of dark fruit, with flavours of plum, cherry and a savoury, spicy edge. In short, it is a friendly, food-loving red that drinks well young.

There is one common mix-up, though. Montepulciano is both a grape and a town in Tuscany. We clear that up first, then walk through the taste, the regions, and the best bottles.

Montepulciano at a glance

Grape or place? Clearing up the confusion

This trips up a lot of people, so let us settle it:

• Montepulciano is a red grape, grown mostly in central and southern Italy.
• Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is wine made from that grape in the Abruzzo region.
• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a different wine, from the Tuscan town, made mainly from Sangiovese.

So when you see "Montepulciano d'Abruzzo", you are buying the grape. That is the style most people mean.

What Montepulciano tastes like

Montepulciano is rich but easy-going. Typically, you will taste plum, blackberry and cherry, with soft tannins and a savoury, peppery finish. There is often a hint of dried herbs too.

Because the tannins are gentle, it feels approachable. As a result, it suits both new drinkers and seasoned red lovers.

Recommended: Buy Montepulciano Wine

Montepulciano vs Shiraz

Shiraz is bold, ripe and sometimes oaky. Montepulciano is just as generous, yet it leans more savoury and rustic, with softer tannins. So if you love Shiraz but want something more food-friendly and less heavy, Montepulciano is a smart swap.

Australian Montepulciano

Australian growers have embraced this grape, especially in warmer regions like the Riverland and McLaren Vale. Local bottles tend to be generous, fruit-forward and very well priced. You will find it among our wider red wine range, alongside other bold, food-friendly styles.

Should you age it?

Most Montepulciano is made to enjoy young, within a few years of release. Premium bottles can age for five years or more, gaining leather and earthy notes. For everyday drinking, though, fresh and fruity is the joy of this wine.

Food pairings

Montepulciano loves food. It works best with pizza and tomato-based pasta, grilled and roasted meats, hard cheeses, and hearty vegetable bakes. Thanks to its savoury side, it handles rich, saucy dishes with ease.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is Montepulciano a grape or a place?

Both. It is a red grape grown in Italy, and it is also a town in Tuscany. Most wines labelled Montepulciano d'Abruzzo are made from the grape.

2. What does Montepulciano taste like?

Expect plum, blackberry and cherry, soft tannins, and a savoury, peppery finish with a hint of dried herbs.

3. Is Montepulciano a dry wine?

Yes. It is a dry red. The ripe fruit can make it feel generous, but it is not sweet.

4. What food goes with Montepulciano?

It pairs brilliantly with pizza, tomato-based pasta, grilled meats and hard cheeses.

5. Is Montepulciano like Shiraz?

They are both bold reds, but Montepulciano is more savoury and rustic, with softer tannins than most Shiraz.

The bottom line

Montepulciano is a bold, smooth and very drinkable red. Just remember the grape-versus-town difference, look for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo or an Aussie example, and pour it with something hearty. Explore our red wine range to find your next bottle.